Meet Santa in the Wilderness is a private family encounter far from queues and crowds. Designed entirely around your children and your wishes, it offers a truly magical Christmas moment in a peaceful wilderness setting near a lakeshore in Northern Lapland.
The meeting is planned together with the parents, allowing us to take into account your children’s wishes and the small details that make the moment truly personal. This is Santa meeting your family, not a scripted performance.
Your journey begins with an elf who takes you through the forest in a heated sleigh towed by snowmobile. Snow-covered trees, soft winter light, and a gentle pace set the mood as you travel toward Santa’s hidden wilderness hut.
At the hut, Santa is waiting just for your family. The visit is unhurried and shaped by your children’s age and personality. You might roast marshmallows, sing, solve small puzzles, hear stories from Lapland, take photos, or simply sit and talk. There is no fixed script and no waiting line behind you.
Your private meeting gives you real quality time with Santa. He speaks English, and each group is accompanied by an elf who can translate into French, Spanish, German, or Italian. Santa listens to your children’s wishes and poses for as many photos as you like. There is no rush. The experience is fully private for your family.
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FAQ
Why choose this Santa experience?
- A private and personal meeting designed entirely around your family.
- No queues, no fixed scripts, and no rushed moments.
- An authentic wilderness setting with unhurried time with Santa.
- A meaningful and memorable moment to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
Do you have suggestions for other activities we could combine with this experience?
What age is this suitable for?
What should we wear?
Can we take our own photos?
How long do we spend with Santa?
What language does Santa speak?
What if the weather is bad?
What do I need to bring?
- Warm clothing: Dress in weather-appropriate layers, including a warm hat, scarf, and good socks.
- Phone or camera (and a power bank if needed).
- Snacks and water: Snacks are provided, but you’re welcome to pack your own favorites too.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event.
Please note
- Please arrive at Xwander Basecamp 15 minutes before the start time.
- Family-friendly: This experience is suitable for families, with children of all ages.
- Physical Requirements: The tour involves being outdoors in cold weather, so participants should be prepared for low temperatures.
- Accessibility: The experience is not fully accessible by wheelchair due to the nature of the terrain and activities. Contact us for accessible options of this tour.
- Clothing and Gear: Warm clothing and suitable winter gear are essential. If needed, we can provide winter overalls, warm boots, and gloves for an extra fee.
- Cold weather policy (-25°C and below or challenging conditions): In very cold or demanding weather, we will contact you to assess the situation together before the activity. There is no additional fee if the activity is cancelled by Xwander.
- Minimum age of the passengers is 0 years.
Find full FAQ from here
Book with Confidence
- Local family owned business
- Personalized service
- Flexible itineraries
- Small group sizes
Price Includes
- Private snowmobile-pulled heated sleigh ride to Santa's hut
- 90 minutes to 2 hours with Santa in wilderness hut
- Puzzle treasure hunt with gifts for children
- Hot drinks and marshmallows
- Christmas carols with multilingual lyric cards
- Photos by assistant elf
- Guide services
- All activities listed in the tour description
- Transfers to the tour locations and back, with departure and return at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo center.
- Pick-up from selected locations in the area (select your nearest location at checkout).
Price Excludes
- Optional winter gear rental: overalls, boots & gloves (extra fee).
- Extra transfers for example from Inari, Nellim, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää or Saariselkä (on request / extra fee).
- Optional add-ons (extra fee): extend the adventure – pair this tour with a Northern Lights excursion or tobogganing.
- Personal travel insurance (required).
